9.843576.9762Idukki, Kerala

ATTRACTION

Idukki Arch Dam - An Engineering Marvel in Kerala

Experience Asia's first arch dam, an engineering marvel built between two hills, offering spectacular views of the Idukki reservoir. Access is limited.

Idukki, Kerala1-2 hours9:30 AM – 5:00 PM₹40No Photography

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Best Season:Public access to the Idukki Dam is highly restricted and is typically permitted only for a month during the Onam festival (August-September) and Christmas-New Year season (December-January). These periods have pleasant weather, with clear skies perfect for viewing the reservoir. It is essential to confirm the exact opening dates with the Kerala tourism authorities before planning your trip, as they can change each year. The general best time to visit the Idukki region is from September to March.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):₹40

Entry (Foreign):₹40

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Idukki Arch Dam?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Idukki Arch Dam is an impressive engineering feat located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It's a double-curvature parabolic thin arch dam, constructed between two massive granite hills named Kuravan and Kurathi. Standing at 168 meters, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The structure is unique because it was built without using any steel reinforcement in its arch, relying purely on the shape and the mountains for support.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

August-September (Onam holidays) and December-January (Christmas holidays), as these are the only times it's open to the public. Weekends during these periods are extremely crowded.

Moderate

Not applicable due to restricted access.

Low Season

Not applicable due to restricted access.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹40

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹40

Per person

Opening Hours

9:30 AM — 5:00 PM

Open to the public only during specific festival seasons announced by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki. Usually, this is for one month during Onam and one month for Christmas. The dam is closed on Wednesdays during this period. Always verify the exact dates and timings before visiting.

Entry fee for adults is ₹40 and for children (5-12 years) is ₹20. A separate fee of approximately ₹600 is charged for a one-way trip on the battery-operated buggy which can accommodate up to 8 people. All fees are subject to change.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Near Cheruthoni, Idukki Township, Kerala 685602

Coordinates

9.8435, 76.9762

Nearest City

Idukki

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 110 km away. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Idukki by taxi from the airport.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), approximately 110 km away. Another option is Aluva (AWY) at around 108 km. Taxis are available from the st...

By Road

Idukki is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. It's about 120 km from Kottayam, 100 km from Kochi, and 55 km from Munnar. State-run buses and privat...

Local Transport

Within Idukki, local transport mainly consists of taxis, jeeps, and auto-rickshaws. Jeeps are a common mode of transport for navigating the hilly terrain. It is...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The idea for the Idukki project was first conceived in 1919. Construction of the dam began in 1969 under the supervision of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). It was built as the central component of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, designed to harness the power of the Periyar River. The pr...

Significance

The Idukki Arch Dam is significant for several reasons. Architecturally, it is one of the world's few double-curvature arch dams, a testament to advanced engineering skills of its time. It is a critical piece of infrastructure, contributing a substantial portion of Kerala's electricity. For visitors...

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